Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/357002
African Ar tists Bring Sculpted Stone to Carmel SHORTCUTS ART 76 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 4 T he transformation, by hand, of stone to figures is a beautiful thing. An entire family who sculpts together makes it even more special. Zimbabwean artists Moses Nyanhongo and many of his siblings took the path of Moses' father, Claud, a well-known artist who pioneered the Shona sculpting movement. The Nyanhongos' work has been in Carmel for 15 years, and is currently shown at Gallery Sur. "They have a huge following," says gallery director Rohana LoSchiavo. "The work is so expressive, refined and detailed. It's very authentic and powerful." Serpentine found in a rich mineral deposit in Zimbabwe is the most commonly used stone in the sculpture. There are more than 225 different colors, ranging from brown to green to black to blue. The pieces often show the tool marks used by their creators, and have both raw and pol- ished surfaces. Figurative subjects are frequently used. "I am moved by the human figure," Moses says. "And the day-to-day interactions and communications of the people." Gallery owner David Potigian also exhibits large-scale photographs, including Pebble Beach landscapes and some golf photography, and shows his own images of the Big Sur coastline. The gallery offers certain pieces at a discount and then donates part of the purchase price to the Sahwira Fund, supporting African orphans. (See www.sahwira.org.) On Saturday, August 9, Moses leads a sculpting demonstration in Carmel's Devendorf Park from 11am-2pm, followed by an artist's recep- tion at Gallery Sur from 4-7pm. On August 10, the gallery hosts a brunch with Moses from 11am-2pm. Perhaps the most striking feature of the Shona sculpture is its ability to speak to all cultures. "My work carries a message of how I feel, and what I would like to say, not only to women, but to people all over the world," says Agnes Nyanhongo. Says brother Wellington: "I strive for my work to have the human affinity with nature, highlighting the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Shona people." Gallery Sur is located on Sixth Avenue between Dolores and Lincoln in Carmel. 831/626-2615 or www.gallerysur.com. —Brett Wilbur Gallery Sur in Carmel exhibits hand-carved Shona sculpture from members of the Nyanhongo family, well-known stone carving artists from Zimbabwe.